







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| I didn't know that, I hope it's not a big problem for him. | |
| Yes, I like them, too. | |
| I know, I thought you might like to have it with her alone. | |
| Erm... While your hands are already dirty... | |
| What's your plan, Cate? | |
| Nope, it gives me a headache! | |
| Well, I hope he doesn't keep on pooping all around the house! | |
| I haven't been there before, where is it? | |
| Really? Sade is one of my favourites, too. | |
| Oh hello... I forgot to mention, it's also a very special occasion... | |
| I hope he gets well soon. | |
| Yes, that's a good idea. | |
| But I want to see Brighton Pier before the sun sets. | |
| I haven't seen her, either, and I don't really want to... | |
| Why is that rice so special? | |
| I don't think you really want me to stay here anymore! | |
| Huh, it's quite good money! | |
| Also, I think we all need to leave soon. | |
| Yeah, it's better not to fully fill the bath, it leaks downstairs. | |
| Do you have any brothers or sisters? | |